Foundation garment



Sept. 29, 1953 H. M. HERBENER 2,653,321

FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed May 9, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Y E N R 0 .n A

Sept. 29, 1953 H. M. HERBENER 2,653,321

FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed May 9, 195o 5 sheets-sheet 2 Sept. 29, 1953 H; M. HERBENER 2,653,321

FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed May 9, 195o 5 shee'cs-shee1-. s

Sept. 29, 1953A v H. M.*HERBENER 2,653,321

FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed May 9. 195o 5V sheets-sheet 4 Hwa; M. Her-beller.

Sept. 29, 1953 H. M. HERBENER FOUNDATION GARMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 9, 1950 1N VENTOR Helzrg M HQI-bw.

ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 29, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENTl OFFICE FOUNDATION GARMENT Henry M. Herbener, Thomasville, Ga. Application May 9, 195o, serial No. 160,970

l 'i Y My invention relates to foundation garments, such as girdles, corselettes, corsets, or the like.

An important object of the invention is to provide'resilent means for supporting the top of a girdle portion, to permitthe same to yield downwardly, and to return the top to the raised position, when the pressure is removed.

A further object of the invention is to provide resilient means of the above mentioned character of simplified construction and which will afford the maximum area or areas in opposing the downward pressure upon the garment, thereby promoting the comfort of the user. Y

A further object of the invention is to prof Vide means'for attaching a resilient hoop to the garment portion 'so that the top and bottom of the hoop are held against relative movement with respect to the garment portion while the sides Of the hoop are free to move laterally within limits as the hoop compresses and expands.,

A further object of the invention is to Vprovide an arrangement of stit-ching for holding the hoop or hoops to the garment and retaining them centered while permitting of their proper action,

whereby the hoop or hoops may be readily ap- 37;.,

plied to the garment during its manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide a resilient hoop unit which may be properly applied to wide or narrow portions or panels of C a girdle. Y

A .further object of the invention is to provide a hoop unit which is applied to a corselette or like garment over the abdomen to serve as a reducer. l,

A further object of the invention is to provide means for securing the ends of the resilient Wire together from which the hoop is formed so that the resiliencyy of the hoop will not be injuriously affected. Y v

A further object Aof the invention is to provide a pluralityof hoops assembled in a unit with eachhoop having substantially the same degree of resiliency. A

Other objects and advantages ofthe invention will Ybe apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and inV which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same;

Figure '1 is a perspective view of a girdle embodying myinvention, Y

Figure v2 is'an enlarged side elevation of the frontpanel,

Claims. (Cl. 2-36) Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on line 3--3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4 4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the front panel, parts in section and parts broken away,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a girdle embodying the modified form of the invention,

Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation of the front panel,

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a vertical section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 7,

Figure l0 is an elevation of the front panel, parts in section and parts broken away,

Figure 11 is a perspective View of a corselette, embodying my invention,

Figure 12 is a central vertical longitudinal section through the same, partly diagrammatic,

Figure 13 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevation of the front panel,

Figure 14 is a vertical section taken on line Ili-M of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a fragmentary side elevation of a resilient hoop showing a modified form of attachment,

Figure 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of a hoop showing a further modied form of attachment,

Figure 17 is a transverse section taken on line ll-I 'I of Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevation of the hoop shown in the first form of the invention and in the other forms, with the connecting sleeve shown in section,

Figure 19 is a plan view of one of the hoops shown in the first form of the invention and in the other forms,

Figure 20 is a side elevation of the complete hoop illustrating the attaching means shown more completely in Figure 15,

Figure 21 is a similar view of a complete hoop showing the attaching means illustrated more completely in Figure 16,

Figure 22 is a side elevation of a hoop having its ends Welded, illustrating local bending,

Figure 23 is aperspective view of a shield pivotally mounted upon one of the hoops, and,

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a modified form of shield applied to a hoop, parts broken away.

Figure 25 is a side elevation of a front panel showing the improved hoop applied thereto, the outer layer of the front panel being removed,

Figure 26 is a vertical section taken on line of Figure 25,

Figure 27 is a similar View upon an enlarged scale,

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the shield and hoop, parts of the hoop being broken away,

Figure 29 is a side elevation of the front panel and a further modificati-on of the resilient hoop applied thereto, the outer layer of the panel be ing removed,

Figure 3o is a vertical section taken on line SiS-36 of Figure 29, and,

Figure 3l is a perspective view of the hoop and coupling, parts of the hoop being broken away.

A.s shown in Figures l to inclusive, the numeral 26 designates an elastic girdle as a whole, comprising sides 2l and a back 22, preferably formed integral and made from an elastic vfabric having a horizontal and vertical stretch. At-

#2,136,742. The waistband 23 is secured to the sides and back by a horizontal zig-zag line of stitching 25. The girdle further comprises a front fabric panel 26, which is preferably horizontally and vertically non-elastic. panel is secured to the sides 2i and band 23 by a vertical zig-zag line of stitching 21. The bottoni of the panel 26 terminates with the bottoms of the sides 2i, but the panel is much longer than the sides and is folded transversely upon itself for providing` an outer layer 21 and a top folded edge 23, at the elevation of the tops of the sides 2i. The Vertical edges of the outer layer 21 are secured to the sides 2l by the vertical lines of stitching 2l', and the panel 23 is arranged upon the inner faces of the sides 2i while the layer 2l is upon the outer faces of the same.

Arranged between the panel 26 and the outer layer 21 are a plurality of resilient hoops 29, 36 and 3l which are preferably substantially circular, concentric, and of different diameters so that one is arranged within the other in spaced relation. These hoops are resilient and `are preferably formed of piano wire. The wire of the outer hoop 23 has the largest diameter and the wire of the intermediate hoop 39 has its diameter smaller than the wire of the hoop 29 and the wire of the inner hoop 3i has its diameter smaller than the wire of the hoop 39. These diiferences in diameter are such that the three hoops of diierent diameters will have substantially the same degree of resiliency and stiffness. In the formation of each hoop, the free ends of the resilient Wire are inserted in a metal tube 32, Figure 18, securely attached thereto by pinching the tube upon the ends of the wire. By this manner of securing the ends of the wire together, the welding of such ends together is eliminated, which is disadvantageous inasmuch as the heat from the welding destroys the temper of the resilient wire so that it will locally bend at the point of welding, as illustrated in Figure 22. Each =hoop is also formed horizontally curved slightly to fit the shape of the body, Figure 19. The tubes 32 may be arranged at the tops of the hoops, but the invention is in no sense restricted to this `arrangement. The panel 26 and the outer layer 21 are secured together by a horizontal line of stitching 33, substantially parallel with the folded edge 28, and the top of the hoop 29 bears against the folded edge 28. A stiff shield 29a Figures 1, 2, 5, 23 is disposed at the bottom of. the hoop 23 and is arranged with the hoop between the layers 26 and 21. This shield may be formed of metal or the like and has a horizontal shoulder 30', and a knuckle 3 l is carried by the shoulder and pivotally receives the lower portion of the hoop 29. The inner side of the lower portion of the shield is filled in with plastics material 32', secured thereto, so that the inner face of the shield next to the body is substantially fiat Iand continuous. The lower horizontal line of stitching 33 has a depending curved portion 33 which extends beneath the shield to support the same. It is thus seen that the downward pressure upon the bottom of the hoop is transmitted to the shield, and this shield remains in substantially flat contact with the body when the hoop tilts, due to the bending action of the body. While I have shown this shield as applied to the hoop 29, I also contemplate applying the same to the hoops 30 and 3l. Ismay also form the shield from a metal loop 34', Figure 24, and hinge the same to the bottom of the hoop 29 by thread or cord 35', Figure 24. This loop will be arranged between the layers 26 and 21 and will engage within the curved portion 33 of the line of stitching.

It is preferred that the hoop be slightly compressed when placed between the folded edge and line of stitching 33. A continuous elliptical line of stitching 34 connects the panel 26 and the outer layer 21 and has its long axis horizontal. The elliptical line of stitching 34 is arranged within the outer large hoop 29, and will therefore retain the same centered upon the panel but will render the sides of the hoop 29 free to move laterally outwardly, when the hoop is vertically compressed. 'I'his is important as the arrangement does not impair the resiliency of the hoop in maintaining the top of the panel raised. The intermediate hoop 39 is arranged within the elliptical line of stitching 34 and bears at its top and bottom against the elliptical line of stitching 34, but its sides are spaced from the ends of the elliptical line stitching 34 so that such sides are free to shift laterally outwardly when the hoop 39 is vertically compressed. A continuous elliptical line of stitching 35 connects the panel 26 and the outer layer 21 and ihas its long axis horizontal. This elliptical line o-f stitching 35 is arranged within the intermediate hoop 30 and retains the same centered with respect to the panel, but renders the sides of t0 hoop free to move laterally outwardly when vertically compressed. The inner hoop 3| is arranged within the elliptical line of stitching 35 and the sides of thisinner hoop are spaced from the ends of the elliptical line of stitching 35. A circular line of stitching 36 connects the panel 26 and the outer layer 21 and this circular line of stitching retains the hoop 3| centered with respect to the panel, while permitting its sides to move outwardly toward the ends of the elliptical line of stitching 35. The upper or lower halves of the circular stitching 36 m-ay be omitted or a horizontal line of stitching substituted therefor. The hoop 3i bears at its top and bottom against the elliptical line of stitching 35. All hoops are preferably slightly compressed when held within or between the lines of stitching.

The front layer 21 is covered by a fabric shield or lining 31, preferably formed of satin, `and the lines of stitching do not pass through this shield. .At its top, the shield is folded over the folded edge 28 and is secured to the panel 26 by a horizontal line of stitching 38, and is secured to the panel at its bottom by a horizontal line of stitching 39. The shield preferably extends downwardly below the outer layer 21. The vertical edges of the shield are preferably secured in place by the zig-zag lines of'stitches 21.

In the use of the garment, when the wearer bends over a downward pressure is applied to the rounded edge 28 of the panel and to the panel at points below this rounded edge` This downward pressure will cause the resilient hoops to vertically yield, but when the pressure is removed the several hoops will again expand to the normal shape and return the panel to its normal raised substantially flat condition. 'I'he several hoops are free to yield vertically since their sides are free to shift laterally outwardly when the hoops are vertically compressed. The concentric arrangement of the hoops is advantageous when applied to a girdle having a relatively front panel.

In Figures 6 to 9 inclusive I have shown Va modification of the invention. In these figures the numeral 49 designates a girdle having a front panel .4! folded at its top to provide a folded edge 42 and an outer layer 43. The front panel and outer layer are identical with the front panel 26 and the outer layer 3l, except that the front panel 4I and its layer 43 are narrower. The second form of girdle is identical with that shown and described in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, except that the hoop arrangement and the lines of stitching controlling their action is different. In the second form of the invention a vertical group of resilient hoops 44 are arranged between the panel 4| and the front layer 43. The hoops 44 are resilient and are identical with the hoops in the iirst form of the invention except that they are all of the same size and the wires from which the hoops are formed are of the same diameters, since the hoops will have the same resiliency or stiffness due to the fact that they are of .the same size. 'I'he upper hoop 44 is overlapped by the intermediate hoop 44 and the lower hoop 44 while the intermediate hoop overlaps the lower hoop 44. The tubes 32 are preferably at the top of the hoops. A line of stitching is arranged within the top of the upper hoop 44 and connects the panel 4I and the layer 43 and includes an upper curved portion 45 and a lower generally horizontal portion 46. The upper curved portion 45 may be omitted if desired. A line of stitching is arranged within the top of the intermediate hoop 44 and includes an upper curved portion 4l' and a lower horizontal portion 48 and connects the panel 4I and layer 43. The upper curved portion 41 may bel omitted. An elliptical line of stitching is arranged within the .top of the lower hoop 44 and the bottom of the upper hoop 44 and includes portions 49 and 5E, connecting the panel 4l and the layer 43. Either curved portion 49 or 5U may be omitted or a horizontal line of stitching substituted. A line of stitching is arranged within the bottom of the intermediate hoop and includes an upper horizontal portion l and a lower curved portion 52, connecting the panels 4| and 43. The lower curved portion 52 may be omitted. A line of stitching is arranged within the bottom of the lower hoop 44 and includes an upper horizontal portion 53 and a lower curved portion 54, connecting the panel 4I and the layer 43. The lower curved portion 54 may be omitted. A horizontal line of stitching 55 connects the panel 4l and layer 43 and is arranged outwardly of and adjacent to the bottom of the lower hoop 44. In the arrangement shown, the top of the upper hoop 44 bears against the folded edge 42 while its bottom bears against the horizontal line of stitch--V lng '5L The top of the intermediate hoop 44 bears against the line of stitching 46 while its bottom bears against the horizontal line of stitching 53. The top of the lower hoop 44 bears against the horizontal line of stitching 48 while its bottom bears against the horizontal line of stitching 55. The lines of stitching within the hoops retain them centered with respect to the panel, but leave their sides free to move outwardly laterally, when the hoops are vertically compressed.

In use, when the wearer bends over forwardly. a downward pressure is applied to the panel at its top folded edge and at points beneath this edge, and the several hoops will yield, since their sides are free to move outwardly laterally. When this downward pressure is removed the hoops will return the panel to the raised ilat condition.

In connection with the rst two forms of the invention it is preferred that the pane-1s and hoops be first assembled, and the panels subse quently attached to the girdle, but of course this is optional.

While it is preferred to retain the hoops in place by the lines of stitching described in connection with the first tWo forms of the invention, yet the hoops may be retained in place by other means. In Figure 15 I have shown the hoop 29 secured to the panel 26 at its top by a zig-zag line of stitching 56, passing through the panel 25 and inclosing the hoop 29. A similar` line of stitching will be employed to secure the bottom of the hoop to the panel. These short lines of stitching will retain the hoop centered with respect to the panel and the hoop will bear against these lines of stitching at their top and bottom. In Figure 16, a loop 51 formed of tape or the like surrounds the top of the hoop 29, and may be Secured thereto by cement or the like and the ends of this tape are secured to the panel 26 by lines of stitching 58. A similar tape is employed to secure the bottom of the hoop to the panel and each tape may be cemented to the hoop and stitched to the panel. The hoop will bear at its top and bottom against the loops which will retain the hoop centered while its sides are free to move laterally outwardly.

In Figures 11 to 13 inclusive, I have shown a further modification of the invention wherein a hoop arrangement is employed as an abdomen reducer. In these figures, the numeral 59 designates a corselette including a body portion E3 formed of elastic fabric preferably having a. vertical and horizontal stretch and a front panel @i preferably horizontally and vertically non-elastic. The panel 6| is secured to the body portion 65 by vertical zigzag lines of stitching 52. Outer and inner layers 63 .and 63 of preferably nonelastic fabric are secured at their top and bottom to the panel 6I by horizontal lines of stitching 64 and at their vertical edges by zigzag lines of stitching which may be the stitching d2. Arranged between the 'layers 53 and t3 are resilient hoops 55, 55 and 61, identical with the hoop 29, except that they are of different diameters. The wire forming the hoop 55 has a larger diameter than the wire forming the hoop 66 and the wire forming the hoop SS has a larger diameter than the wire forming the hoop (il, so that these hoops have substantially the same resiliency or stiffness. These hoops may be flat or only slightly curved horizontally, and if so curved such curvature will be less than the curvature of the abdomen. Surrounding the outer hoop 65 in close relati-on thereto is a circular line of stitching e8, connecting the layers 53 and t3. A circular line of stitching E9 surrounds the hoop 8% in close relation thereto and connects the layers 53 and 53. A circular line of stitching lo surrounds the iimer hoop Sl and connects the layers 63 and 63. The several hoops are arranged in spaced concentric relation and the circular lines ci stitching do not permit the hoops to be radially compressed and they are substantially radially rigid. An outer layer or cover 'il extends over the outer layer 63 and is held in place by the lines of stitching liti and the lines of stitching Si or separate lines of stitching at the lines of stitching 23.

When the garment is applied to the wearer the hoops 65, to and Si press against the abdomen, forcing the saine inwardly and serving as a reducer.

In Figures 25 to 23 inclusive, I have shown a further modification or the invention. in these four ngures, the number 55 designates the front panel of the garment corresponding to the panel 2S, Figure 1. rThis front panel includes an inner layer lli and .an outer layer il. Arranged between tlie inner and outer layers is a resilient hoop i8 disposed near the upper edge of the iront panel. An elliptical line of stitching 19 connects the inner and outer layers it and 'il and is arranged within the'resilient hoop i3 and retains it centered, while the lower end or the hoop bears against a horizontal line of stitching Sil, connecting the inner` and outer layers 'i5 and il. rlhe resilient hoop 'i8 is split at the top and its free ends are bent to provide vertical lateral extensions 3i.

The numeral S2 designates shield or guard, which is sti and preferably formed or metal. This shield is preferably elliptical and horizontally elongated. The shield includes an upper opstanding section. 83 and a lower upstanding section Eil connected by a horizontal shoulder 35. Stamped from the lower section Sli are elongated loops or knuckles t5, spaced from the shoulder 35. The loops or knuckles 85 are sunciently long to permit of the passage through them to the vertical lateral extensions si, and the hoop then springs upwardly and the extensions Si bear against the shoulder 35, and free ends of the hoop can not be improperly withdrawn from within the knuckles. The inner and outer layers i6 and 'il are connected by a curved line of stitching Si, forming a pocket to receive the shield d2. The inner face of the upper section 33, next to the wearer, may be covered by a section it or plastics material or the like secured to the shield by cement or the like so that the inner face of the shield Amay be continuous. The lower section it may have an opening Sli', so that the shield may be stitched to the panel l5. When the section t is stitched to the panel, the stitching Si is omitted.

The resilient hoop it is thus held in place between the inner and outer layers l@ and 'il and is under tension so that its free ends tend to move upwardly. The force supplied to the upper end of the hoc-p it andto shield 82 is always in a downward direction, and this force tends to more securely hold the shield upon the ends of the resilient hoop.

In Figures 29 to 3i, inclusive, I have shown a further modification of the invention. In this modification, the same panel l may be used having the same elliptical stitching is and horizontal stitching 8B.

The numeral'V 86' designates a resilient hoop, held centered by the elliptical line of stitching 153 and bearingagainst the horizontal line of stitching 8B. The-upper end of the resilient hoop is split and the free ends are bent downwardly to provide vertical lateral extensions 81.

The numeral S8 designates a coupling to connect the free ends of the hoop. This coupling is formed at its top with a sleeve 8S and has depending dat plates Q9 formed integral with its lower portion. Large openings el are formed in the plates gli and the lower portion of the sleeve 89.

The coupling B8 may be formed resilient, so that it can be partly opened and the ends of the hoop 86 passed into the ends or the sleeve 89 and the depending vertical extensions 31 passed between the plates 9i. When the extensions 87 move into the openings el, the plates 9i) spring closed into Contact with each other. The extensions 8i will then be held within the combined opening produced by the openings 9| and contact with the side walls of such combined opening, whereby the ends of the split ring will be securely locked together. While it is preferred that the coupling be resilient, it need not be resilient and may be formed with the sleeve 83 and plates @il and formed originally partly open, and when applied to the ends of the resilient hoop, the coupling may be pinched closed. The coupling can be entirely formed upon the ends of the hoop, if desired. There is sufficient space between the ends of the extensions Eil' and the bottom of the openings Si so that the coupling may be stitched to the panel l5, as indicated at t2. The hoop serves to retain the upper end of the garment raised.

While I have shown a single hoop in Figures 25 to 31, inclusive, it is obvious that this hoop may be used alone or with other hoops as indicated in connection with the iirst and second forms of the invention.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the saine, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A girdle or like garment including a ilexible front portion having a top, a flexible layer arranged upon one race of the front portion, a generally elliptical line of stitching connecting the front portion and layer and forming a generally elliptical pocket having a top and bottom and sides, the generally elliptical pocket having its long axis substantially horizontal, and a resilient hoop arranged within the pocket and having a top and bottom and sides, the top of the hoop engaging the top of the pocket and the bottom of the hoop engaging the bottom o the pocket and the sides of the hoop being spaced from the sides of the pocket, the arrangement being such that the hoop may be substantially vertically compressed and its sides will move outwardly toward the sides of the pocket.

2. A girdle or like garment including a nexible front portion having a top, a iiexible layer arranged upon one face of the front portion and connected with the front portion for forming a packet having a top and a bottom and sides, a resilient hoop arranged within the pocket and having a top and bottom and sides, the top of the acssgscr hoop engaging the top of the pocket and the bottom of the hoop engaging-the bottom of the pocket and the sides of the hoop being spaced from the sides of the pocket, a generally elliptical line of stitching connecting the front portion and layer and arranged within the hoop and having a top and bottom and sides, the sides of the generally elliptical line'of stitching being arranged close to the sides of the hoop tohold the hoop centered and the top of the lineV of stitching being spaced from the top of the hoop and the bottom of the line of stitching being spaced from the bottom of the hoop, the generally elliptical line of stitching forming a generally elliptical pocket section having a top and bottom and sides, the long axis of the generally elliptical pocket being arranged substantially horizontal, a second' resilient hoop arranged within the generally elliptical pocket section and havin y a top and bottom and sides,`the top of the second hoop engaging the top of the pocket section and the bottom of the second hoop engaging the bottom of the pocket section and the sides of the second hoop being spaced from the sides of the pocket section, and means for retaining the second hoop centered within the pocket section.

3. A girdle or like garment comprising a ilexiblel front portion having a pocket, said pocket having a closed top and a closed bottom and sides, said pocket having a pocket section adjacent to its closed bottom, a resilient hoop mounted within the pocket and having a top and bottom and sides, the top of the hoop bearing against the closed'top of the pocket and the bottom oi the hoop being disposed adjacent to thel pocket section and the sides of the hoop being spaced from the sides of the pocket, and a shield hinged to the bottom of the hoop, said shield including platesv extending upwardly and downwardly for `a substantial distance beyond that portion of the bottom of thehoop upon which the -shield is mounted.

4. In a girdle or like garment, a resilient stiffening device including a resilient hoop, and a shield, said shield comprising a shoulder and oppositely extending plates carried by the edges of the shoulder and offset thereby, and a knuckle secured to the shoulder and pivotally receiving a portion of the hoop, such hoop portion engaging the shoulder.

5. A resilient hoop to be applied to the exible part of a garment and being split and having lateral extensions at its ends, a coupling sleeve and plates carried by the coupling sleeve, said plates being arranged in close relation and extending generally radially of the sleeve, said sleeve and plates having a common opening formed therein, the sleeves receiving the end portions of the hoop and the common opening receiving the lateral extensions, the lateral extensions engaging the wall of the common opening.

6. A resilient hoop to be applied to the flexible part of a garment and being split and divided at its ends with lateral extensions, a coupling sleeve and plates carried by the sleeve and extending generally radially beyond the same, said plates being provided between their ends with opposed openings which also pass through the adjacent portion of the sleeve, said sleeve receiving the end portions of the hoopsv and the openings receiving the lateral extensions, the plates being arranged in close relation when the sleeve receives the end portions of the hoop.

7. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by them'ovement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top. and sides and a bottom, said hoop being split and having end portions, the end portions being arranged substantially within the circumference of the hoop, a stiff tube receiving both end portions of the hoop for connecting them, the stiff `tube being clamped to the end portions, means for securing the resilient hoop to the body portion and movably'securing said sides to said body portion so that the sides may move outwardly in a generally horizontal direction with relation to the body portion when the top is depressed.

'8. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, a shield pivotally mounted upon the top of said hoop and including a side which is adapted to bear against the body of the wearer, and means for securing the resilient hoop and shield to the body portion and movably securing said sides to the body portion so that such sides may move outwardly in a generally horizontal direction with relation to the body portion when said top is depressed.

9. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position,-

said means including an upstanding resilient hoopoincluding a top andsides and a bottom, said hoop being split at its top forming ends which are provided with lateral extensions, a shield provided with attaching elements having openings to receive the ends of the hoop, the lateral extensions engaging behind the attaching elements to prevent the ends from being withdrawn from within said openings, and means for securing the resilient hoop and shield to the body portion and movably securing said sides to the body portion so that such sides may move outwardly in a generally horizontal direction with relation to the body portion when the top is depressed.

l0. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, said hoop being split at its top for forming ends which are provided with lateral extensions, and a shield arranged at the top of the hoop and provided with knuckles having openings to receive the ends of the hoop, the knuckles being arranged outwardly of the lateral extensions.

11. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposn ing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, said hoop being split at its top for forming ends which are provided with generally vertical extensions, and a shield arranged at the top of the hoop and having knuckles provided with openings to pivotally receive said ends, the knuckles being ar-V ranged outwardly of the vertical extensions.

12. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, said hoop being split at its top for forming ends which are provided with generally vertical extensions which are upwardly faced, and a shield having knuckles, said knuckles having openings which are suinciently large for the passage of said extensions, said extensions being adapted to engage behind said knuckles.

13. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, a shield pivotally connected with the hoop near a vertical centerline of the hoop, said shield having one end extending outwardly beyond the hoop and its opposite end extending inwardly beyond the adjacent portion of said loop, said shield having a side which is adapted to bear against the body of the wearer, and means for securing the hoop and shield to the body portion.

14. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and bottom, shield means mounted adjacent to the bottom of the hoop and near a vertical center line of the hoop, said shield means having relative swinging movement with respect to the hoop and bearing against the bottom of the hoop, said shield means extending outwardly beyond the hoop and also extending inwardly beyond the adjacent portion of the hoop, said shield means being adapted to bear against the body of the wearer, and means for securing the hoop and shield means to the body portion.

15. A girdle or like garment comprising a body portion having an upper end which is depressed by the movement of the body, means for opposing the downward movement of said upper end and returning the same to the raised position, said means including an upstanding resilient hoop including a top and sides and a bottom, a shield pivoted upon the top of said hoop near a vertical center line of the hoop, said shield extending outwardly beyond the hoop and also extending inwardly beyond the adjacent portion of the hoop, said shield having a side which is adapted to bear against the body of the wearer, and means for securing the hoop and shield to said body portion.

HARRY M. HERBENER.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 319,404 Grotten June 2., 1885 458,309 Foley Aug. 2.1, 1891 1,102,681 Penny July 7, 1914 1,499,160 Fanning June 24, 1924 2,446,437 Schoebel Aug. 3, 1948 2,485,570 Cousins Oct. 25, 1949 2,485,572 Cousins et al Oct. 25, 1949 2,501,901 Herbener Mar. 28, 1950 2,511,641 Kuhn June 13, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 244,948 Great Britain Dec. 31, 1925 369,160 Great Britain Mar. 11, 1932 

